Sunday, March 23, 2008

I got my first set of progressives on Thursday and am still not quite adjusted to them. They are solving my recent eye sight problems, but getting used to the changing field of focus is a bit difficult. I cannot keep the whole width of my 21" monitor in focus at the same time - it requires turning my head. They do let me see small things close up - like the small print on labels, or the hairs on my chin!

When I was having my eyes examined, the optometrist asked me how I would feel about having progressive lenses, as I guess I could have gotten by for a while longer without. I told her that I was okay with having them if they would solve my vision issues. After all I am not afraid of aging!

Not nearly afraid of my getting old as I am melancholy about all of the things that are getting old with me!

Like my parents, and their health.

Like my kids, and the worries and stress that having teenagers brings: learning to drive, learning to drink (not at the same time as driving), learning to be independent, taking on responsibility, making decisions about their futures......where did the years go, and did we build a strong enough foundation for them to base their future on. Financially, emotionally, morally?

I am not afraid of aging, and actually looking forward to some of the events in the next years. Seizing the moment and not waiting 'to be old enough to retire' has actually become really important to me. Why is there an expectation that life will follow a certain course - that you must do things in order: go to school, get a job, get married, have kids, work to 60, retire and then embrace life and enjoy yourself. Why is their a mindset that one cannot be fulfilled by something other than a challenging career or that a challenging career must keep you tied down and centered?

I am not afraid of aging (or of progressive lenses). I am not afraid of change. I am not afraid of challenge. I am middle aged!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Fresh Snow. Commitment Free Weekend. Temps about 0C. A trip to Elk Island Park seemed in order. The dh agreed, and off we went. With the eastern end of the Anthony Henday open now, it is a very quick trip from here to the park - maybe 45 minutes. We drove through the plains bison side of the park, spotting a few buffalo far off in the distance, and a lone coyote hunting. We decided to cross the road and go for a walk on the Wood Bison side. Got about ten steps along the path, and the dh says "It's a moose" in the calmest voice ever. There she was, about 30 feet away through some pretty thick aspen forest, just watching us. I got the shot of her, and tried to find a spot where there weren't as many trees between us. As I moved forward on the path I saw that she had a calf with her!

Amazing to see and share space with such an awesome animal. We spent about an hour in the woods, found many different footprints and several pieces of dung, but only came across another coyote in the distance.

A great way to spend an afternoon. The landscape is so bleak at this time of year, even with fresh snow cover, and especially under cloud covered skies. The next day was brilliantly sunny, but much, much colder.

About Me

Nature loving prairie girl. Wanna be world traveller. Love good conversation over wine. Owner of Windermere Studios in southwest Edmonton, home to a gorgeous park like setting for Portraits. I've been providing Photography Services to the Sport Community of Edmonton and area since 2005. I've had the pleasure of covering local, provincial and national level competitions for soccer, rugby, badminton and dance. I bring experience and enthusiasm for the game to your sport events! I'm proud to support charities like Autism Society of Edmonton and The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation by donating my services for their events, as well as being a volunteer photographer for The Maple Leaf Mission and Help Portrait.

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